23 May 2008 (various dates)
Whether a seasoned racegoer or a newcomer to the sport, a day at Stratford Racecourse provides fun for all the family.
17 - 20 Jun 2008 (various dates)
Anyone wishing for a special experience of Shakespeare's plays and the environment that inspired him can take a short break in his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Each year, the three separate courses include visits to Royal Shakespeare Company productions.
5 Jul 2008 (annual)
Making the most of its spectacular setting, Warwick Castle hosts a major annual outdoor concert for music and pyrotechnics lovers. This year the evening features the Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, Europe's busiest touring opera company, playing classic favourites.
Jul 2008 (annual)
The Royal Show, held at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, claims to be "Europe's premier agricultural fair," boasting over 200 rural craft stands and the biggest flower marquee in Europe.
25 - 26 Jul 2008 (annual)
The Global Gathering rolls into Stratford-upon-Avon, bringing GodsKitchen's unique brand of midsummer madness to Long Marston Airfield. The line-up is impressive, with Kanye West headlining, joined by the cream of the international DJ world.
25 - 27 Jul 2008 (annual)
Warwick Folk Festival attracts singers, musicians, bands and street performers to Warwick Castle for three days of entertainment.
7 - 10 Aug 2008 (annual)
Europe's biggest and best biker rock festival, the Bulldog Bash takes place at the Shakespeare County Raceway on Long Marston Airfield. There are displays by professional drag racers and supertuned bikes, and bikers stage their own races down the strip.
Jul - Aug 2008 (annual)
Carpe Diem Theatre's Summer Theatre Academy once again comes to Stratford's Civic Hall for three weeks in the summer. Budding young actors and technicians can attend a series of unique programmes in theatre training and study, which culminate in a series of final performances. Shakespeare, surely, would have approved and its great to get the kids busy during the long summer break.
Jun - Aug 2008; Wed, Fri, Sat, and Sun only (annual)
For over half-a-century (2006 sees the 52nd Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival) summer Sundays - and now a few extra days during the week - sees the Shakespeare Centre and Shakesperae Institue host poetry evenings with RSC actors and poets from across the country. Past contributors have included the likes of Corin Redgrave and Tom Paulin, who conduct readings and engage in discussions on specific poets or issues.
19 Jul - 31 Aug 2008 (annual)
This summer, visitors to Warwick Castle can enjoy "Mediaeval" entertainment featuring dramatic jousting tournaments, archery demonstrations, spectacular bird of prey shows and knights in combat.
Daily
The Heritage Motor Centre was originally built to house the collection held by the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust. The collection on display charts the development of the British motor industry from 1896 to the exciting innovations of the present day.
Daily
Warwick Castle more than lives up to its billing as Britain's Greatest Medieval Experience. It is bursting to the towers with tales of treachery, torture, passion and power.
Daily
Warwick's St Nicholas Park offers an extensive range of family attractions throughout the year. Rowing on the lake in the shadow of the magnificent castle, strolling by the river or relaxing in the shade of a willow tree here is the perfect way to spend a summer's day.
Daily
Retaining its country setting in Wilmcote, this timbered Tudor farmhouse is the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother, Mary Arden, before she married John Shakespeare. It is also home to the Shakespeare Countryside Museum and the adjacent Glebe Farm, where there are displays of farm implements and daily demonstrations by Heart of England falconry.
Daily
Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick was created as a home to the Guild of the Holy Trinity and St George which was formed in 1383 to help with education and charity. The site was restored in the 1950s and 60s and the hospital was opened after its restoration by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, on 3 November 1966.
Daily; not Mon
The Market Hall Museum in Warwick houses displays of local archaeology, natural history, geology and social history.
Daily
Step into the house where William Shakespeare was born in 1564 and gain a fascinating insight into life as it was when the Bard was a child. The half-timbered house is Stratford's most-visited tourist spot.
Daily
This thatched farmhouse cottage was the childhood home of Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway, whom he married in 1582. Situated jut a short distance from Stratford's town centre, it offers visitors the chance to learn about the life and times of this farming family, and to retrace the steps that Shakespeare must have taken when courting Anne.
Daily
A stone's throw away from Warwick Castle, Warwick International School of Riding is situated in the heart of Shakespeare country and offers some of the most impressive horse riding in England. Avid riders can trot or canter through many miles of unspoilt country lanes and peaceful leafy bridleways, or gallop across expanses of open grassland and through ancient oak woods.
Daily
Hall's Croft is one of the finest half-timbered, gabled houses in Stratford, and also the residence where Shakespeare's eldest daughter, Susanna, lived with her famous husband, Dr John Hall.
Daily
Nash's House was Shakespeare's family home from 1597 and the adjoining New Place was the house in which he died in 1616.
Daily
There can be few places in Britain that roundly celebrate their most famous sons than does Stratford-upon-Avon. Birthplace of probably the world's most famous author, one William Shakespeare (aka "the Bard"), not only are there museums dedicated to his birthplace, his wife's house and his legacy, but the delightful Cotswold town is home to one of the world's great theatre companies: the Royal Shakespeare Company. With a year round programme in at least two theatres, whenever you go there is a chance to see top-flight acting.
Daily
Set in the heart of the countryside just outside Warwick, Hatton Country World is a haven for those that want to avoid the crowds in the city centre and get back to nature. Visitors can enjoy a unique Victorian shopping experience in rural surroundings, walk the nature trail to the locks forming part of the historic Grand Union Canal, or experience a fun family day out at the farm.
No monthly events available.
Aug 2008 (annual)
Over 2000 residents gather in the town of Welford for its annual village fete, held to raise money for village activities and a leading local charity. Over 60 stalls and attractions line the streets and entertain all the family.
Aug 2008 (annual)
The Warwickshire and West Midland Game and Country Fair, held at Ragley Hall, features sheep dog trials and basic gundog events, falconry displays, military bands, side-saddle riding and many other exhibitions and displays.
25 - 27 Jul 2008 (annual)
Warwick Folk Festival attracts singers, musicians, bands and street performers to Warwick Castle for three days of entertainment.
1 Apr - 31 Oct 2008 (annual)
A trebuchet is a medieval siege machine, capable of throwing huge projectiles over castle walls. At Warwick Castle, visitors can see one in action twice a day, by the river against the South Front.
Jul 2008 (annual)
The Royal Show, held at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, claims to be "Europe's premier agricultural fair," boasting over 200 rural craft stands and the biggest flower marquee in Europe.
19 Jul - 31 Aug 2008 (annual)
This summer, visitors to Warwick Castle can enjoy "Mediaeval" entertainment featuring dramatic jousting tournaments, archery demonstrations, spectacular bird of prey shows and knights in combat.
Dec 2008 (annual)
Top riders take part in full-on, non-stop action at Stoneleigh Park's Dirt Bike Show, which also features celebrity interviews, competitions and performances by the Dirt Bike Show Girls.
Oct 2008 (annual)
Every October, Stratford's main venues resound to the sounds of chamber music, early music, jazz bands and orchestral concerts at the annual music festival. Organised by Warwick Arts, there are also concerts in nearby venues including Compton Verney, Shipston-on-Stour and Loxley's Croft Prep School.
Jun - Aug 2008; Wed, Fri, Sat, and Sun only (annual)
For over half-a-century (2006 sees the 52nd Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival) summer Sundays - and now a few extra days during the week - sees the Shakespeare Centre and Shakesperae Institue host poetry evenings with RSC actors and poets from across the country. Past contributors have included the likes of Corin Redgrave and Tom Paulin, who conduct readings and engage in discussions on specific poets or issues.
Apr 2009 (annual)
Tradition holds that the 23 April is William Shakespeare's birthday, three days prior to the date recorded in the church records for his baptism. Every year in Stratford-upon-Avon, thousands of people participate in a myriad of events, including a parade.
Oct 2008 (annual)
No castle would be complete without a good ghost story and Warwick Castle has plenty. For Horrible Halloween the building's ghostly inhabitants come out to scare visitors, so be prepared for spooky surprises, spine-tingling stories and ghosts galore...
5 Jul 2008 (annual)
Making the most of its spectacular setting, Warwick Castle hosts a major annual outdoor concert for music and pyrotechnics lovers. This year the evening features the Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, Europe's busiest touring opera company, playing classic favourites.
25 - 26 Jul 2008 (annual)
The Global Gathering rolls into Stratford-upon-Avon, bringing GodsKitchen's unique brand of midsummer madness to Long Marston Airfield. The line-up is impressive, with Kanye West headlining, joined by the cream of the international DJ world.
15 Mar - 14 Dec 2008; not Mon (annual)
Opened in 2004, Compton Verney is an art gallery situated in a Grade I-listed 18th-century Robert Adam mansion near Warwick, with 120 acres of stunning Capability Brown-designed gardens.
Jul - Aug 2008 (annual)
Carpe Diem Theatre's Summer Theatre Academy once again comes to Stratford's Civic Hall for three weeks in the summer. Budding young actors and technicians can attend a series of unique programmes in theatre training and study, which culminate in a series of final performances. Shakespeare, surely, would have approved and its great to get the kids busy during the long summer break.
7 - 10 Aug 2008 (annual)
Europe's biggest and best biker rock festival, the Bulldog Bash takes place at the Shakespeare County Raceway on Long Marston Airfield. There are displays by professional drag racers and supertuned bikes, and bikers stage their own races down the strip.
Oct 2008 (annual)
In recognition of an important time in the farming year, Mary Arden's House and the Shakespeare Countryside Museum present traditional country crafts and activities including cider making, apple juicing and wood turning, as well as entertainment in the form of morris dancing, a mummers play and jugglers.
No biennial events available.
